Defer enrollment is common
In reference to the letter from Mr. Jay Tomokiyo, in the age of the Internet we are fortunate that anyone can access more information than is found in Harvard’s 90 libraries — Google.
A quick search and the Harvard College Admission &Financial Aid page pops: “Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrollment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way — provided they do not enroll in a degree-granting program at another college. Deferrals for two-year obligatory military service are also granted. Each year, between 80 and 110 students defer their matriculation to the College.”
Harvard further encourages a gap year or time off during college with the long article, “Time Out or Burn Out for the Next Generation.” In addition, there is even an American Gap Association.
Harvard College has 1,660 students in each class. Malia Obama is doing what about 5 percent of her classmates will be doing. How Harvard handles this each year is via waiting lists and transfers to ensure that the dormitories and houses are 100 percent occupied. Harvard is flexible, and even students who have taken years off are still members of their Harvard class, can return to complete their studies and are encouraged to do so. The college has a graduation rate of 97.5 percent, among the best in the country.
Palamanui as part of University of Hawaii “plans to address this gap [year] through expanded access to post-secondary education and training throughout the state and strengthened support for student success.”
As far as “political correctness,” which usually involves avoiding insults to marginalized groups. Does Malia Obama fall in that category? She is hapa black and haole, but she is POTUS’ daughter. Surely, this overrides any discrimination that might be experienced by this privileged young woman.
Bhagavan S. Buritz
Kealakekua
Extended term limits leaves bad taste
It would appear that Margaret Wille has turned a blind eye toward what is happening with the public’s view of politicians these days.
There are those who become so entrenched in their office they feel as if they are indispensable. They are not! Ms. Ford is quite right to disagree with the increase in terms. Though her statement in regards to campaigning every two years really upsets me.
Why do they need to campaign for a job they already have? If during their tenure they have done a good job and worked on behalf of their constituents, they should have faith in the fact that a job well-done is reason enough to allow you to continue in their role.
One of the most irritating things I see in government is continuing to pay an individual who literally quits working to campaign for his/her job, or someone else’s who represents their party. Term limits are a benefit to the people, not the politician. Do your job, Ms. Wille, do it well and you’ll have nothing to worry about. Introducing and sponsoring bills that extend the time your position will be guaranteed is saying to me that you are not confident in your own performance.
Kenneth Brandt
Kailua-Kona